Sunday, Dec. 16- Tuesday, Dec. 18

With New Year's just a few weeks away, the time has come to take advantage of the trappings of the season. For most, good food, good drinks and really, really good music are some of the best parts of the holidays. And while we can't offer you the culinary skills of Wolfgang Puck (nor will we be popping bottles of Cristal anytime soon), we can direct you to an evening of sweet jams.

From Sunday, Dec. 16, to Tuesday, Dec. 18, the Egyptian Theatre hosts the seventh annual Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza. This event is designed for song seeking music lovers and anyone looking for a good laugh.

The musical variety show exhibits a cornucopia of local artists, who grace Boise with their talents and some good old-fashioned holiday cheer. Each night's performance differs from the others. As event producer Jodi Peterson explained, "You just never know what you are going to get, Barber Shop Quartet, The Moody Jews with the leader being Rabbi Dan Fink, Basque Dancers; we have a different mix every night."

The only thing that remains constant are the hosts: Boise's own Curtis Stigers and the comedic Fool Squad of Joe Golden and Tom Willmorth. With this dynamic trio, the event has become a holiday tradition that Boiseans look forward to each year.

All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Interfaith Sanctuary homeless shelter. For more details on how the money is used by the nonprofit, see News, Page 8. So do your ears (and the community) a favor and get in on the Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza, no Xcuses.

The Sunday and Monday performances have already sold out, but tickets are still available for Tuesday's performance, so act quickly.